10 Life Lessons I’ve Learned Since Moving To Hawaii

Airplanes are a crazy kind of situation, you’re neither in the place you’ve been, nor in the place you’re going. You are above the world at peace, reflecting on the experiences you’ve encountered while manifesting the possibility of what’s yet to come.

Two Five years ago, as I traveled through the clouds in route to my next life chapter, I wrote quite possibly the most significant journal entry that will forever hold a special place in my heart.

Take a peak into the mind of Gennah — after California, before Hawaii — lost above the ocean, in the middle of nowhere.

“Here I am, on my way to Hawaii and all I can think is “fuck, this is really happening.” I feel like I’ve waited forever for this moment, yet I never thought the day would come. I’m going to miss everyone and everything, but I know this is going to be the best thing I could ever do for myself. It’s time to do whatever it is I want to do, and be whoever it is I want to be. This experience is going to be the craziest years of the big life that awaits me. There will be days when I just want to go home, followed by days where I feel like I am home. Just remember, live it to the fullest Gennah. Not everyone has the courage to pack their bags and move their life to a place all alone — but that’s the beautiful thing about you, you’re not like everyone else. You are an independent, strong, courageous girl and I’m intrigued to see the woman you become after this entire experience. If you make the most of the years to come there is no doubt in my mind you will be unstoppable. Good Luck with your next life chapter Gennah.”

Now that’s some deep shit coming from a 20-something year old girl, am I right?

However, it’s moments like this that are a constant reminder that inside us all lies the power of creation.

Today marks my five year island-versary and I can’t help but smile in awe at the life I have created for myself.

Can I get a Mai Tai cheers to that!?

Living in the Aloha State opened my eyes to the fascinating journey we call life, and in honor of this big celebration, I want to share with you the 10 life lessons I’ve learned since moving to Hawaii.

1. Time Is a Misconception

If there is one phrase in Hawaii I hear more than the typical “Aloha” or “Mahalo,” it’s — “What day is it?”

In Hawaii there is something the locals refer to as “island time”. People here have no real sense of time and honestly, we don’t give a damn. It doesn’t matter what day of the week it is, or what hour of the night. If the vibes are good, we make the most of our “time” and fully immerse ourselves in the moment.

2. Everyone Is On Their Own Journey

I’ve met some lifelong friends out here who continuously motivate and inspire me to become the greatest version of my most badass self. But, there eventually comes a time where these incredible individuals are ready to conquer more, leaving me with no other option then to say goodbye.

These islands have taught me to never hold anyone back. As a friend, it is my job to encourage everyone on accomplishing whatever it is they desire in life.

3. The True Meaning Of Success

Success isn’t about the title on your business card, or the fancy car you drive. It’s not about how much money you make, or the designer clothes you wear. True success is reached by having a deeper connection with your own day-to-day lifestyle.

When you are able to jump out of bed on a Monday, totally stoked to make the week your bitch, then you have reached personal success.

4. Solitude Is Essential

One of the main reasons Hawaii was appealing to me is because it’s a place that allows me to be alone. We often surround ourselves by people who think they know what’s best for us, but in reality, they don’t even know what’s best for themselves.

It’s important to escape to a place of peace. Taking time to yourself is the greatest way to connect with your intuition and appreciate the badass life you are creating.

5. The Significance Of Nature

Whether you are out surfing the waves of a massive swell, or hiking the steep cliffs of a lush mountaintop, nature shows us how this world is flourishing with a sense of life far beyond our own existence.

Chasing big dreams can become overwhelming, but nature helps us feel small again because it reminds us of the truth— we are part of a greater power. Knowing the force of the universe exists helps instill the faith needed to reach those extraordinary accomplishments.

6. Say Yes To Life

Since moving to Hawaii I’ve ran marathons, competed in pageants, anchored news broadcasts, fallen in love, became a mermaid, created my own TV show and played with sharks.

Every experience, good or bad, gives you a better understanding of who you are and helps you grow into the person you want to become. We only regret the chances in life we don’t take, so rather than asking yourself “why?” ask yourself “why the hell not?”

7. Stay Curious

When I first set foot on these islands, I didn’t know much about my surroundings, let alone myself. By developing a sense of curiosity my eyes have opened to new worlds. A curious mind provides us with a desire for adventure and a drive to learn. It challenges you to dig deeper, ask questions, and view life from different perspectives.

8. Have An Attitude Of Gratitude

Ever wonder why people in Hawaii seem happier? Well, it’s because we are genuinely thankful for what we have, and show appreciation for what really matters in life — health, happiness, and love.

All we need lies within us, so when you are able to appreciate what you have to offer the world, life will begin to appreciate you in a wonderful new way.

9. You Have The Power To Be Whatever You Desire

Just live it, be it, and own it.

When you are able to see it in yourself, others will begin to see it too.

Trust me, I’m a mermaid.

10. Breathe And Believe

I have spent countless years chasing my biggest dream in life, often leaving me feeling suffocated and restless, rather than fulfilled and accomplished. The most important lesson of life Hawaii has shown me, is the importance of breathing in the moment and fully believing in the journey.

We all get so caught up in trying to “make it happen” we easily forget it “is” happening — right here, right now.

I’ve come a long way since the lost girl, gazing out the window of an airplane with the hopes of something greater, and I couldn’t be more pleased with the woman mermaid I am today.

There are some things in life far beyond our control, but by challenging yourself to new extremes and truly believing in the outcome, your own creation of life will soon become more badass then you could ever imagine.

If you are looking to make a change and have always played around with the idea of moving to a new place, I hope this post inspires you to go for it! Not only will you learn all about the magic of life, you will learn all about your passions, your purpose and what makes you, YOU!

Looking back on the entire experience today is so surreal. While I believed my reason for moving to the islands was for school, the truth is, it was for a purpose far beyond my wildest dreams. I began my island adventure with the intention to become something more, and never in a million years would I ever imagined myself becoming a Mermaid.

However, that is the path that has been chosen for me and I am trying my best to live it true.

Sometimes I feel lost, confused, and unsure of what the fuck I’m actually doing, but I forget it’s all apart of the story— my story.

And I can’t wait until the day I am able to share that story with you (and Ellen).

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4 Comments

GENNAH. GOOD LORD. As I sit here at my little hotel desk where I get to help plan people’s vacations on Maui, I am CRYING LIKE A LITTLE BITCH. Of everything I have been privileged to read of yours, this entry has really made an impact on me. It’s so bizarre to me how we grew up down the street from one another and are so like minded, it blows me away every time I read your posts, I can feel your spirit within me. I love how each of our journeys are so unique, but our stories happen to be so extremely parallel. Being alone is one of the main reasons why I decided to pack up and move here, and I am learning all of the life lessons you talked about. I remember flying home back to California from my first time on island, and I wrote a journal entry that I would be coming back for good. Not 6 months later, suspended in the sky, I found myself in the same position going back the other way, not believing that this shit was actually happening and writing in that same journal- I DID IT. There is some sort of magic out here, something in the water. It’s that aloha spirit. You have embodied it to it’s fullest and I am so extremely proud of you! The love we get from these islands is something so beautiful, surreal, and unheard of anywhere else in the world. I am so thankful that I get to read your words and share your experiences; you remind me daily of why I came out here, who I am, and who I continuously strive to be. THANK YOU, from the bottom of my heart. You are taking the mainland by storm and I absolutely cannot wait to see what you do next! Mahalo & aloha nui loa my sister ❤

Overtime I read your kind words chills are always sent through my body. We are so connected it’s insane and it makes me so happy to know you are living your dream. The best part is?! It’s only just beginning! The empowerment that comes from an experience like this gives you the reassurance that anything is possible! I love you girl and I can’t thank you enough for always believing in me. ❤

Wow Gennah! These 10 lessons are print-frame-hang-on-wall good. From waaaayyyyy back in the olden days Christy saw something in you that inspired her, even before you knew you were inspiring. I’m so happy and proud of you discovering your way and thankful I found your blog so we can follow you on your journey.

Thanks Debbie that means a lot! Never in a million years would I have ever imagined being an inspiration to others, but knowing that you have seen it all along reminds me to keep staying true to my heart. I can’t tell you enough how proud I am that Christy is putting herself out there with her own blog and sharing the struggles that comes from anxiety. As hard as it is to cope with, I know she will help so many women dealing with the same thing. I love you two so much! ❤